Hormel-Owned Meat Brand Creates Vegan Toppings for Pizzerias Across the Country

Hormel Foods Corp—one of the largest meat companies in the United States—recently launched new vegan meat products, including pizza crumble toppings, which are available to foodservice operators across the country. Made from pea protein, the plant-based products—made by Hormel foodservice subsidiary Burke Corporation—include fully cooked plant-based crumbles and uncooked ground in traditional and Italian flavors, and chorizo- and breakfast-style crumbles. “We know that a growing number of consumers are interested in incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets. These new products are the perfect way to not only add more plant options to meals but also still enjoy a great-tasting meal with plant-based ingredients,” Amy Thielking, marketing manager at Burke, said. “The bottom line is that people want to add more plants to their diet, but they also want them to taste great.” Last June, the company revealed that it was working on innovative plant-based products to bring to the foodservice space, prompted by the success of vegan brand Beyond Meat. Previously, Hormel introduced the Fuse Burger and the Blend Burger, both of which combine animal meat with plant-based ingredients.